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Re: Ligatures

Author: JTJC
Date: 2022-09-24 14:57

I've tended to think ligatures don't make a difference but I have changed ligature styles over time. I must have thought something was different or improved to make the change. In recent years I've used Rovner rubberised fabric ones.

After reading a recent BB thread and watching the Dale Fedel video Paul refers to my curiosity was aroused. I went back to my ligature collection and did Fedel-style tests. I was most curious about Fedel's experience, where he found adjacent notes had varying response depending on the ligature. I can't say I experienced that, but I certainly notice difference in responses in registers (not adjacent notes) with different ligatures. Somehow I'd not noticed that when testing ligatures in the past. My current Rovner came out worst in these tests and I found a Versa of Opimum better. Hard to choose between them, so a bit more testing to do.

The Optimum seemed better with plate with ridges parallel to the length of the reed, not the plate with four dots or ridges going across the reed, which seemed to leave uneven pressure marks on the bark (which surely can't be intended or desirable) . So, both the Versa (with flaps) and Optimum configurations grip the reed along its length, though with different spacings across the reed, with the Versa gripping closer to the edge.

One thing I did notice was the Versa and Optimum did add brightness even edge to my sound. I'm not sure I want that. There are also a slight difference in overall tone between the two. So, as with the other variable characteristics of the clarinet, mouthpieces, barrels, bells and reeds etc I'll have balance my final decision as to which ligature I go with for now.

I don't expect anyone else to agree with my findings. Nor do I expect anyone else to hear any difference. This is all about me and how I feel about any changes I perceive it makes to my playing.

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Ligatures new

alanporter

2022-09-24 05:47